The Challenge of Slums: Global Report on Human Setttlements 2003

This report presents the results of the first global assessment of slums by the United Nations since the adoption of the Millennium Declaration. It proposes an operational definition of slums and, on this basis, provides the first global estimates of the numbers of urban slum dwellers.

The report also discusses the local, national and international factors underlying the formation of slums. It analyses the social, spatial and economic characteristics and dynamics of slums. And it assesses the impact of the main policies towards urban slums adopted by governments, civil society groups and international organisations.